The Triumph of Love | ||
LIII
Of old came Fate, imperious and proud,And said “Abase thyself and kneel to me;
I wield God's thunderbolts.” With head unbowed
I answered “No! my inmost life is free.”
Then Fate in anger stretched me on a cross
Of piercing anguish and tormenting care;
And sent me disappointment, trouble, loss,
Perplexity, bewilderment, despair:—
But all in vain! My soul, unyielding still,
Found refuge in itself from pain and woe;
And ever, with unconquerable will,
When Fate demanded homage, answered “No”;
Till in his wrath he summoned thee to prove
My rebel heart with flame of hopeless love.
The Triumph of Love | ||